The Rapids are now two points behind Kansas CityNew York and RealSaltLake for the final playoff spot and must get help in order to make the postseason.

Colorado created many chances at the beginning of both halves but were only able to get goals in the 43rd and 88th minutes.

The game-winning goal from LA's Brandon McDonald may well be the MLS goal of the week. The rookie’s first MLS goal came in the 80th minute when he drove a 35-yard shot just past Preston Burpo’s outstretched arms and into the goal to give the Galaxy a 3-1 lead.

Tom McManus converted a penalty kick eight minutes later to bring Colorado within a goal but the Rapids were unable to find the equalizer.

The Galaxy went ahead first when Edson Buddle scored to Burpo’s left in the 36th minute.

Cory Gibbs scored his first MLS goal in 30 games when he headed in a Terry Cooke corner kick from a difficult angle two minutes before halftime.

An Ugo Ihemelu own-goal gave the Galaxy the lead for good in the 70th minute when an Eddie Lewis free kick bounced off his chest and into an open net.

Colorado will return to The Home Depot Center next Sunday as they take on Chivas USA in a 1 p.m. MT kickoff in their final road game of the year.